Escape to an offshore island for a beach day
Grab your sunbathing gear (or your golf clubs) and jump on board a catamaran or small boat to skim across the ocean to a lush island paradise. Welcome to Île aux Cerfs, a beautiful private island off the east coast of Mauritius where you’ll find paper-white beaches, glistening lagoons and a 19-hole golf course designed by two-time Masters champ, Bernhard Langer. Just try not to let the sparkling Indian Ocean views distract you from your shot.
If you’re just there to experience beach life, grab a shady spot under the trees and order a drink at one of the rustic bars, later taking a dip in the clear water. This is paradise! Alternatively, see the island from a different perspective with a parasailing flight or one of the other watersports on offer.
Where is Ile aux Cerfs?
Ile aux Cerfs is one of the most popular offshore islands in Mauritius. This private island lies off the east coast of Mauritius. It’s famous for its white sandy beaches, clear lagoon and 19-hole championship golf course.
How do you get to Ile aux Cerfs?
One of the easiest and quickest ways to get to Ile aux Cerfs is to catch the boat shuttle from Pointe Maurice. The boat shuttle runs every 30 minutes throughout the day, from 9.30am until 6pm. This service will take you to the Masala Jetty on the northwest side of the island, perfect if you’re looking to spend the day on the beach.
If you are going to play a round of golf, there is another boat shuttle from Pointe Maurice which leaves every 20 minutes. This takes you to Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club Jetty and it runs earlier and later than the beach shuttle, so you can play golf early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Please check the Ile aux Cerfs Leisure Island website for the most up-to-date opening and boat shuttle times.
Ile aux Cerfs beaches
The northern tip of the island is where you’ll find white sandy beaches, a turquoise lagoon and rustic beach bars.
Now you have to decide where to base yourself for your beach day. There are plenty of stretches of sand to choose from and you can keep walking around the east coast until you find your perfect spot under the casuarinas! A dip in that shallow, clear water is pretty tempting.
Ile aux Cerfs watersports
Because of the coral reef, the lagoon is great for watersports and you can choose from parasailing, speed boat rides, waterskiing and wakeboarding. It’s also good fun to watch people on the banana boat rides!
Dining at Ile aux Cerfs
There are a few beach bars and grills on the northern tip of the island, so you can dine with your feet in the sand overlooking the lagoon. The Sands Bar also serves up a famous Mauritian rum cocktail.
On the southeast coast, you will also find some other dining options on the beach. The golf clubhouse houses the Langer’s Bar & Grill overlooking the 18th green, so it is the perfect spot for lunch.
Ile aux Cerfs golf
A big draw on the island is Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club. It is one of the best in the world. It’s not every day you get to play golf on a private island! This 19-hole championship course is designed by Bernhard Langer and has amazing views of the shimmering lagoon. The golf club also has a driving range, golf academy and pro shop where you can hire clubs and shoes.
If you want to combine a round of golf with time on the beach, that’s easy. This area of the island on the southeast coast is where you’ll find La Flibuste, an exclusive quiet beach area next to the golf course with sunbeds and beach butler service.
Can you stay on Ile aux Cerfs?
There are no hotels on the island and no-one lives on Ile aux Cerfs. However, you can stay in one of three eco-bubble lodges. You can choose to overlook the lake, ocean or be nestled among the banyan trees. Stay at Bubble Lodge and you will practically have the island to yourself!
So that’s it! Would you like to come and spend the day on Ile aux Cerfs? Hopefully, we will see you very soon in Mauritius!